Reaching New Heights: UK Law Ranked No. 2 Best Value Law School in the Nation

October 12, 2016

A degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law is one of the best values in the nation, according to The National Jurist, who has ranked UK Law No. 2 on its list of Best Value Law Schools for 2016.

In the annual rankings released in the fall issue of preLaw magazine, UK Law climbed to an all-time high at No. 2, steps up from last year’s No. 4 ranking. This is the college’s ninth consecutive year being included in the “Top 20” and fifth consecutive year in the top 10. In addition, out of the top 58 law schools, only nineteen shared an “A+” grade with UK Law. UK Law is also the only Kentucky law school included in the “Top 20” this year.

“It’s truly an honor to be recognized on a national level again by this annual accolade,” said David A. Brennen, Dean at UK College of Law. “UK Law has risen to a new level of accomplishment – one in which we are immensely proud.”

The National Jurist has ranked “Best Value” law schools for the past ten years, offering prospective students a different viewpoint. But exactly how does The National Jurist decide who comes out on top? According to the publication, the rankings are “designed to find the law schools where graduates have excellent chances of passing the bar and getting a legal job without taking on a ton of debt.” The formula used in the calculation is weighted accordingly:

• Employment rate – 35%

• Tuition – 25%

• Average indebtedness upon graduation – 15%

• Graduates who pass the bar exam – 15%

• Cost of living – 10%

“This ranking confirms that UK Law continues to prevail in key areas, including employment rate, affordability, and debt load of graduates. We are committed to preparing our students for life after law school – opening doors to opportunities both within and outside the traditional practice of law,” said Dean Brennen.

UK Law students traditionally achieve the state’s highest bar examination passage rate, and employment numbers for the school have remained strong over the years. The National Jurist reports that UK Law graduates carry an average debt of $77,793, while resident tuition was $21,618 for the 2015-16 academic year.

To view the “Best Value” methodology or see a complete list of rankings, click here.

UK Law, a student-centered and supportive public law school, aspires to empower tomorrow’s leaders to rise toward their personal best – thus, leaving a meaningful impact on the law, the profession, and the world. Founded in 1908, and located in the heart of the Bluegrass, UK Law offers 15 clinical and externship opportunities, a network for career development, four dual degree programs, and the newest 6-Year BA + JD Program. With a small student-to-faculty ratio, students have the opportunity to develop personal relationships with their professors, fostering a collaborative, supportive environment.